Lakelands is a 2022 Irish drama film by Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney of Harp Media in their feature film debut.

Lakelands
Directed by
  • Robert Higgins
  • Patrick McGivney
Written by
  • Robert Higgins
  • Patrick McGivney
Starring
Production
company
Harp Media
Distributed byWildcard Distribution
Release date
  • 9 July 2022 (2022-07-09) (Galway)
Running time
98 minutes
CountryIreland
LanguageEnglish

Premise edit

The film centres on local small-town GAA football "outside the bright lights of Croke Park", following a player who struggles to get back into the sport after an injury.[1]

Cast edit

Production edit

Patrick O’Neill of Wildcard executive produced the film. Principal photography took place on location in Granard, County Longford in late 2021, wrapping at the end of November.[2] The project received support from Creative Ireland, Longford Arts Office, Backstage Theatre, Longford LEO, and Screen Ireland as well as winning the Bankside Films Marketplace Award at the 2021 Galway Film Fleadh back in August.[3]

Release edit

Wildcard is handling the distribution of the film in Ireland and the UK. It is expected to have a theatrical release.[4] The film premiered the 2022 Galway Film Fleadh.[5] It will have a U.S. screening at the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.[6]

Reception edit

Lakelands has received critical acclaim in Ireland and the UK. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 100%, based on 16 reviews.[7] [8]

Awards and nominations edit

Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2022 Galway Film Fleadh Best Irish Film Lakelands Won [9]
Bingham Ray New Talent Award Éanna Hardwicke and Danielle Galligan Won
2022 Kerry Film Festival Best Film Lakelands Won [10]
2023 Irish Film & Television Awards Best Film Lakelands Pending [11]
Lead Actor - Film Éanna Hardwicke Pending
Lead Actress – Film Danielle Galligan Pending
Original Music Daithi Pending
2023 Dublin Film Critics' Circle Best Irish Film Lakelands Won [12]

References edit

  1. ^ McCarry, Patrick. "Longford GAA movie explores the tale so many young footballers can relate to". Sports Joe. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  2. ^ McCarthy, Esther (24 November 2021). "Wildcard lands UK-Ireland rights to small-town GAA drama 'Lakelands' (exclusive)". Screen Daily. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Longford filmmakers win award for best film project at Galway Film Fleadh". Longford Leader. 3 August 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  4. ^ Corr, Julieanne (1 December 2021). "Lakelands: Gaelic football film aims to score in cinemas". The Times. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Irish films to receive world premieres at Galway Fleadh". RTÉ. 11 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  6. ^ Walsh, Alan (19 January 2023). "Award winning Longford GAA film 'Lakelands' set for United States premiere". Longford Leader. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  7. ^ "Lakelands (2022)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  8. ^ https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lakelands
  9. ^ Abbatescianni, Davide (11 July 2022). "The Galway Film Fleadh announces its award winners". CinEuropa. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  10. ^ http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4294625&tpl=archnews&force=1
  11. ^ "2023 IFTA NOMINEES ANNOUNCED". Irish Film & Television Awards. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  12. ^ https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/2023/12/18/best-films-of-2023-irish-critics-name-their-favourites/

External links edit